Aideen, a 3-month-old terrier mix, was one of several in a litter of puppies saved from euthanasia at a local shelter. Dr. Amy Williams, Alaqua staff veterinarian, noticed that there was a problem with her heart when she brought the puppy in to do her spay surgery.

“It could have been one of several scenarios, with one of them being Patent Ductus Arteriosus (P.D.A.), which is a condition in which her heart vessel did not seal shut and is causing abnormal pressure on her heart," Williams said. "It is a fatal condition if not corrected."

Aideen was transported to Auburn to meet with the cardiologist team there and the tests confirmed P.D.A. Surgery is needed to save her life, but the estimated cost is in excess of $2,500.

“This amount exceeds any normal procedure cost that we have in our budget," said Laurie Hood, Alaqua founder. "We are hoping that by telling her story, this sweet puppy will have an angel — or many angels — step in to help save her life.”

With surgery, Aideen is expected to make a full recovery and will be up for adoption at the refuge.

"Once you meet her and look at that precious face, it is impossible to not try to save her life," sighed Hood.